A gastrocutaneous fistula is an opening between the stomach and the skin. It can occur after a child has a gastronomy tube (G-tube) removed. A G-tube is a device used to help supply nutrition to a child who cannot eat enough food. In most cases, when the G-tube is removed, the opening closes quickly. But when the opening doesn’t close after a few weeks, it can become a gastrocutaneous fistula.
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What are the signs and symptoms of a gastrocutaneous fistula?
The gastrocutaneous fistula will look like an open area where the G-tube has been removed. Your child’s doctor will know if the area is not closely properly.
What causes a gastrocutaneous fistula?
The main cause of a gastrocutaneous fistula in children is removal of a G-tube. Children who have a G-tube for more than 11 months may have a higher risk of developing a gastrocutaneous fistula when it is removed.
How are gastrocutaneous fistulas treated?
Gastrocutaneous fistulas need to be closed with surgery. Whenever possible, our surgeons at Connecticut Children’s perform this surgery laparoscopically, using minimally invasive techniques.